The Island (2005) ***

Rating: 7/10 (27 July 2005)

Reviews for this film have trickled in which say it's a ripoff of other movies. So I suppose I've come to the conclusion that one can enjoy a movie even when it's said to be copied from another film (or films), so long as you're unaware of the fact while viewing it. Such was the case with me when I watched THE ISLAND, which I enjoyed very much; so much so, in fact, that I almost gave it an extra half star (but more on that later). To me, at least during the time I was watching it, this was an intriguing and new concept, as I haven't yet seen many of its noted forerunners, aside from, possibly, LOGAN'S RUN (1976). Taken on its own, this is an interesting and emotional story, with director Michael Bay's reputation for sensational action kicking into high gear for at least a few breathtaking sequences along the way.
Ewan MacGregor and Scarlett Johansson are extremely good as two "survivors" in a futuristic underground society, where they are conditioned to live healthy lifestyles along with hundreds of other "lucky people". Each inhabitant is warned that the outside world has become contaminated and unlivable, so everyone will remain and work together with the dream that, one special day, any individual at some given time may win a "lottery" and be chosen to be transported to what is called "The Island" for a future of happiness and contentment. MacGregor becomes curious of his very existence and the way his community is run, and eventually seeks to find out more. Escaping with his friend Johansson, their discovery is shocking and a hefty warning to our world today of what could happen tomorrow if we aren't careful.
I don't want to give anything else away here, but this film kept me wondering what would happen from beginning to end. Are we witnessing life as it will be after a future apocalypse? Or is there something more corrupt afoot? While trying to find out, we are taken for a joy ride along with our two young leads, and get to savor a fine performance from Sean Bean (as the untrustworthy Merrick), as well as a fun characterization from Steve Buscemi, who was perfectly cast in his part and is given some pretty humorous dialogue.
The only reason I found myself shaving half a star from my rating was that the movie offered roughly ten too many climaxes and seemed to go on too long. Which is a shame, as I would otherwise have deemed this a very good science fiction/action film, indeed. As it turned out, it's a good one - and what you don't know about the other films it borrows from won't hurt you. *** out of ****